Issues Associated with Interviewing of Persons with Neurodevelopmental and Genetic Disorders and Brain Injury. Barry S Parsonson PhD Explore & API

Introduction Neurodevelopmental and Chromosomal Disorders and Traumatic Brain Injuries affect physiological, cognitive and social functioning in diverse ways, including: IQ, Planning, Decision-Making, Memory, Attention- Span, Impulsivity, Aggression, Communication, Social Competencies and physiological needs can all be affected to differing degrees; These physical, executive, cognitive and social deficits present challenges to law enforcement agencies.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Risk Factors Crime Risk Memory Deficits Social Deficits Executive Deficits Attention Deficits

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Personality IQ varies from Low to Above Average Confabulates to fill gaps Looks for cues and clues May say what interviewer wants to hear Poor Vocabulary Short attention span Memory deficits Suggestible Impulsive Poor Planning Ability Social deficits Easily Led Tells Lies Mis- leads Glib

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Strategies Keep the person’s deficits in mind at all times as they are good at picking up cues and clues, are susceptible to being misled and to misleading the interviewer. Utilize visual materials such as maps, diagrams or drawings for the interviewee to illustrate and/or convey information as visual memory may be best; Review facts/repeat interview to establish consistency of information Triangulate to check all aspects of their story.

Traumatic Brain Injury Risk Factors Confusion PhysicalCognitiveSocialEmotional

Traumatic Brain Injury Personality Executive Function Deficits Memory and Attention Deficits Physical Trauma & Fatigue Social & Emotional Disinhibition Easily Confused

Traumatic Brain Injury Strategies Quick to fatigue and short attention span and/or physical or mental symptoms (headache, mood disorder) mean short sessions with breaks may be needed; Memory and Executive Function deficits can lead to confabulation, confusion and disorientation so triangulation and review of information is essential; Use simple, clear and brief questions and instructions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk Factors Anxiety Cognitive CommunicationSocialRitualistic

Autistic Personality Rigid Thinking Needs Routines & Rituals Socially IneptLacks Empathy Avoids Novelty

Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategies Take time to get to know the person and gradually introduce them to new environments to reduce anxiety; Find out how they best communicate (signing, visual prompts, verbally); If interviewing, use short (2-4 word), simple questions and instructions. Avoid metaphors, similes colloquialisms; Use visuals (maps, diagrams, drawing) to get information or set out routines.

Genetic Disorders Easily Led Cognitive Deficits Low IQ Social Naivety Communic- ation Deficits

Personality Characteristics These are very variable because of the very different consequences of different genetic conditions. Persons with Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome and Angelmans Syndrome are typically calm, happy and law-abiding, may want to please; Persons with Prader-Willi and some genetic microdeletion syndromes may steal food because of insatiable appetite.

Concluding Comments Persons with Intellectual, Memory, Cognitive and Communication Deficits are highly suggestible and easily confused. Avoid confrontational, fast-paced or stressful procedures and unfamiliar settings; They may struggle to maintain concentration and focus and exhibit anxiety or mood swings so include breaks; Use of clear language, open, simple and short questions is likely to enhance quality of report; Visual imagery may assist communication and memory; Triangulate and check reliability of information.

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